Parent's Choice

11 Valentines Day Date-Worthy Restaurants: Quezon City Edition

by Kevyn Gohu
February 2, 2023

From wine-and-dine to low-fi style Valentine’s Day Dates, here are some restaurants that earned our approval in Quezon City.

Quezon City became a city where most families chose to settle down, creating the need for family-friendly but Valentine’s Day date-worthy restaurants. Some of the most famous areas in Quezon City for hidden food gems include Tomas Morato, the Scout Area, New Manila, and even Katipunan. Here’s a quick rundown on which restaurants in Quezon City earned our seal of approval as date-worthy.

1. Alba’s Restaurant

Praised highly for its traditional Spanish food, Alba’s Restaurante Español’s selections of Paella and tapas make it worthy of being a wine-and-dine restaurant. Their music is usually played on strings to create a romantic atmosphere as if dating in an alfresco restaurant in Real Madrid. They have a few wines to also enjoy with paellas and chorizo while offering a few kid-friendly options like the Albondigas de Vaca which has a chicken variant. Plus, they have a Catalan version of a pizza known as the Coca.

They’re easy to find along Tomas Morato and have decent parking for those who have cars.

Recommended orders: We definitely suggest the Paella Negra! It’s a fun laugh after seeing your teeth turn black from the squid ink. Don’t forget to add some Aioli sauce for that nice creamy and tart flavor!

2. La Creperie

La Creperie has several branches in Quezon City: one in Ayala Mall Vertis North, which has easier parking, one along White Plains, and another one along Broadway Avenue right across Quezon City Sports which also has a bar next to it for an easy wine date. The restaurant, although famous for its crepes, has a few savory dishes such as their wholewheat galettes — a crispy pancake in which they put savory fillings such as shrimp, spinach, etc.

Recommended orders: Their must-order is their Crepe Salidou! Their homemade salted butter caramel is a must and you can request to have their salted butter caramel (SBC) to be served separately to make sure each and every bite has a bit of it.

3. Prologue

Prologue restaurant Scout Gandia corner Tomas Morato

Located along Scout Gandia corner Tomas Morato, Prologue is a rustic-themed restaurant that offers both wine-and-dine and casual dates. Their Arancini, Tartufi Pizza, and Proscuitto Rucola are the favored staples for many families, couples, and best friends who hang out there. But they stand out because of their fluffy Soufflé Pancakes which delight anybody with their softness and mild sweetness.

Recommended orders: Their risotto bowls such as the Kimchi, the Nasi Goreng Prawn and the Smoked Bangus are both flavorful and light on the stomach. Don’t forget to save space for their Mixed Berry Soufflé Pancakes.

4. Melo’s Steak House

An old favorite behind ABS-CBN, Melo’s Steak House was always the first choice for wine-and-dine for the many who live in Quezon City. They are so meticulous with their steaks that you can even choose what kind of cut you want. But for those who are trying to avoid red meat, they also have some seafood or chicken such as the Chilean Seabass Fillet or the Duckbreast and Foie Gras Carbonara.

Recommended orders: They take pride in their Saga Beef, a kind of beef with great marbling and was hailed as the “caviar of beef.”

5. Mario’s

Another old restaurant with family-friendly options, Mario’s continental cuisine appeals to all sorts of palates. However, they do have an affinity to more Spanish-Filipino favorites such as their Corned Beef and Bacalao ala Vizcaina. Their desserts are also a must-have to end the meal such as their Bread Pudding or their Canonigo. As for the ambiance, it’s like walking into an old heritage house and having a homemade dinner.

Recommended Orders: Their oysters are their signature dish, including their famous Oyster Rockafeller. They have pasta for the kids and steaks for moms and dads.

6. Terracotta Manila

Unlimited sangrias and a variety of tapas make Terracotta MNL a favored wine-and-dine spot for many younger couples. While the stairs can be a tad annoying, it’s well worth the multiple cocktails they have. Some of their signature mixes are trendy such as the Amaretto Sour which you can have them make extra sour. They also recently partnered with Singleton and created course meals that would pair well with whisky.

Don’t forget to commemorate your date with a picture with their IG-worthy wall of wines!

7. Lola Café

Lola Café in Tomas Morato became a fan-favorite for intimate parties, dates, and civil wedding spots because of its greenery and minimalist aesthetic and its Filipino-fusion selections. They also have their own parking spot near the restaurant, giving car owners the peace of mind that they won’t return to it scratched up. Most of their orders are for sharing but they have some rice bowls for those who prefer not to.

Recommended orders: The Truffle Lengua is to die for. Crispy, creamy, and with that truffle flavor to accompany goes well with the Spicy Tinapa Pasta.

8. Provenciano

A hidden gem in Maginhawa or Teacher’s Village, the native designs and use of wood in Provenciano create a tropical ambiance for those who want to enjoy a beach-like date without actually going to the beach. They have been a favorite among those from UP Diliman and Ateneo who want some good Filipino food especially because they take pride in their provincial roots.

Recommended orders: Their Lengua ala Sevillana is one of the favorites along with the Sisig ni Ima which has earned some nods from the Kapampangans.

9. Lemuria

Hidden in Horseshoe Village at the top of the hill, Lemuria creates the atmosphere of having a date in France. Their dishes are based on the number of courses, making sure that diners will always have an enjoyable gastronomic journey. They also have some organic wines to enjoy with their courses. But make sure to reserve a table! For lunches, they only do exclusive bookings and they allow walk-ins but only from 6 PM to 10 PM.

10. Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge

Every couple born from Ateneo or UP has probably eaten here at least once for an anniversary date or two. Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge, located along Esteban Abada street, offers its diners a romantic air and even assists in expressions of love such as changing some of the floral arrangements and more. While they have ala carts for a custom-course meal, they also have set-course meals for less worry.

11. La Spezia MNL

La Spezia offers wine-and-dine with a Mediterranean ambiance and is currently offering a course meal for the coming February 14, 2023. Many of those living in Quezon City who crave Italian food beyond the usual pasta and need a restaurant that’s date-worthy usually make their way here with their curated meat dishes, salads, and also desserts.

Recommended Orders: If you’re not lactose-intolerant, do try their Burrata salad! Sometimes, they serve it with arugula but there are days that they serve it with truffle!

The north does have restaurants to offer for Valentine’s Day!

A lot of people joke that Quezon City is too far but in doing so, they miss a lot of hidden gems that many of the QC folk enjoy. The best part is many of these restaurants in this list are family-friendly because Quezon City has made itself known for being the place where families settle down. Don’t forget to reserve so that you don’t lose out on the booking!